What the jockeys said after the Ladbrokes Stakes

Ben Dorries - Saturday October 14

Gailo Chop has held off a strong finishing burst from $31 chance Johannes Vermeer to win the Group I Ladbrokes Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

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Gailo Chop hangs on to fend off Johannes Vermeer and win the Group I Ladbrokes Stakes Photo: Darryl Sherer

Gailo Chop ($5.50) fended off the challenge of the Irish import by ½ neck with another 2 ½ lengths back to Jon Snow ($8.50).

Here is what the jockeys thought of the performances of their rides.

PLACING

RUNNER

JOCKEY

COMMENT

1st

Gailo Chop

Mark Zahra

He was in front and I reckon he is better fending off horses than he is a chaser. It was going to take a good horse to run him down.

2nd

Johannes Vermeer

Katelyn Mallyon

He really launched late and is a really good chance next week in Caulfield Cup.

3rd

Jon Snow

Stephen Baster

He ran really well, I had to do a little bit of work early.

4th

Single Gaze

Kathy O'Hara

Nice run from her, she was solid to the line and I feel like she wants the 2400m so next week will be ideal.

5th

Inference

Dwayne Dunn

He ran terrific, it was a super run and hopefully he will be very competitive next week.

6th

Bonneval

Damian Lane

The barrier killed her as I had to go back five or six spots further than what I wanted. I rode her for luck and she hit the line well.

7th

Riven Light

Glen Boss

He is pretty effective on wet tracks, firm tracks not so much.

8th

Abbey Marie

Beau Mertens

Very happy with her. Settled back and came home well, her last 100m was her best. Going into the Caulfield Cup very happy.

9th

Hartnell

Glynn Schofield

Enjoyed a lovely run and chimed in when speed quickened up but copped some interference.

10th

The Taj Mahal

Damien Oliver

 No comment

11th

Calderon

Luke Currie

He wasn't going to win but he did a good job just to stay on his feet halfway up the straight.

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